During one of our recent warm, and sunny days. I decided to visit TED, Lobster and Burger restaurant in the elegant, and sophisticated neighbourhood of Prati. After walking through the various green neighborhood streets I finally stepped into this innovative location. TED has now been open for the past six months, and since then it has been at the top of the Roman best restaurants with its original format. The business’s motto is having fun, and socializing; in fact, the atmosphere is always joyous and a little noisy (in a good way). The music is always on, as late at night the restaurant turns into a cocktail bar.
TED is open from noon to 2:00 am, with the constant possibility to eat, and drink at any time you wish (in perfect American style). The bar is set at the entrance, where you can enjoy watching the barman preparing your chosen cocktail. Following this idea, the kitchen is set at the back, open to the public. The drink menu was constructed with the help of Matteo Ciampicali. Every meal has “its own cocktail”, in the menu you will find a drink suggestion with every dish.
The food is first-rate. The lobsters are shipped directly from Canada to your plates. On the menu you will not only find the classic lobster rolls and burgers, but also Mexican Tacos that provide a more international flare. Also, be aware of ‘Limited Editions’ items; for instance each Christmas every bun was coloured red, and for Halloween black; keeping the playful atmosphere that the restaurant tries, and succeeds, to transmit to the customers.
“Everything is homemade at TED. Every publicity is made by our Social Media and Marketing Manager Ludovica Calo.” –Stefano Aprile
Once I entered the modern restaurant I was immediately welcomed with the warmest smiles from the members of the staff. From the moment I set my eyes on the furniture I felt like I was suddenly transported to the east coast; I later found out this was deliberate. Owner Stefan Aprile had an east coast concept from the beginning, and achieved it due to the fundamental help of Laurenzi Consulting, one of the greatest companies in Italy that provides advice in the Food & Beverage industry.
Stefano Aprile comes from a family of entrepreneurs, with a father from Naples and mother from London. One of the many experiences he gained, thanks to this international family, was to work for some time at a London restaurant, therefore getting to know how the business inside works. In fact, as I was talking to him in his office, he told me how the staff/team at TED is important. They are not waiters and waitresses; they are care keepers of this extravagant and cozy restaurant. They are what makes TED, TED. Something that Stefano stressed out during our conversation was that every person working in the restaurant has been there from the very beginning. “Most of them do not have much experience. We took this chance of having a staff that when TED opened was not completely prepared. In fact the aim was to hire them and from scratch build their skills in TED style. Therefore, they can represent the restaurant as theirs. We created a family.” Furthermore, everyone has the chance to be promoted, utilising the international working format; making every member of this family happy to go to work, as every team member acknowledges how tough working in a restaurant really is.
“Fondamentalmente e’ un circo il nostro!” — Stefano Aprile, while showing me his business card, inspired by old cinema and circus tickets.
If you are looking to have a fun, engaging experience, TED is the place for you. Do not let yourself be mistaken, this is a restaurant for everyone to enjoy.
